Barry Holland geared for Comrades number 49

Ballito’s Barry Holland will attempt to extend his Comrades Marathon completions record when he takes on race number 49 on Saturday.

Holland, who last year claimed sole ownership of the record for the first time, will continue his unbroken streak of running every Comrades held since 1973.

The only years he missed were 2020 and 2021, which were both cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is simply one of the defining records in South African sport, given the importance of the marathon nationally and on the global stage.

More than 10 000 people finish the Comrades every year, but nobody has done it more times than Holland since the first race in 1921.

And that experience will be invaluable for number 49 this year and the sought after 50th next year.

“I’m feeling very good going into this one, far better than last year which was my worst Comrades ever. I have done roughly 50% more training and have closed it out feeling great,” said Holland.

Holland ran alongside Warwick ‘Wozza’ Taylor last year, with both finishing in 11:42.

“That was my first time finishing over 11 hours and I do not want to do that again. It is definitely a partnership with Wozza, who will run his 24th this weekend, and we plan on coming in at around 10:50,” he said.

It will be another down run this year, as a result of ongoing roadworks on the N1, which is a positive at this stage of Holland’s Comrades career.

“In my racing days the down was unbelievably painful, because you are pushing so hard down from Hillcrest to Durban. But now it is certainly easier for me to get down a hill than up it!”

Whether on television or in person, make sure to cheer Holland on as he becomes a record breaker once again.

Follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for breaking news

Telegram Broadcast Service: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0